Watch Emilia Romagna MotoGP — Free Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli serves as a critical juncture in the MotoGP World Championship as the title race intensifies. With the championship battle reaching its business end, securing a strong baseline setup in Free Practice 1 is vital for riders aiming to guarantee direct entry into Q2. This second visit to the classic Italian venue offers a rare opportunity for teams to apply previous data, making every fraction of a second count in the pursuit of crucial championship points.

Form Guide

Heading into this weekend, the momentum is highly contested among the grid's top tier, following intense battles at recent European rounds. Ducati continues to set the benchmark with consistent podium lockouts, while key title protagonists have traded victories and podium finishes over the last few race weekends. The familiarity of the Misano circuit means the margin for error is virtually non-existent, with riders who excelled at the previous San Marino round looking to replicate their front-running pace immediately.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The reigning champion and local favorite who always excels on home soil and will look to dominate from the opening lap.
• Jorge Martin — A fierce title contender known for his explosive single-lap speed and aggressive approach to Friday practice sessions.
• Marc Marquez — The multi-time world champion who has shown formidable pace in low-grip conditions and remains a constant threat at Misano.

Prediction

Ducati's dominant package is expected to control the tempo of this opening session on familiar territory. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to top the timesheets in Free Practice 1, utilizing his extensive track knowledge and refined setup data from the previous race here to edge out Jorge Martin. Expect the factory Ducati team to set the benchmark early, establishing a fast pace that the rest of the field will spend the weekend chasing.